O'Rourke, 46, who was a little known congressman from El Paso when President Donald Trump was elected, joins the crowded race for the Democratic presidential nomination, which has more than a dozen other announced candidates.

O'Rourke,in an exclusive interview with The El Paso Times before his official announcement, presented the case for his presidential campaign – one born from Trump's intense focus on the border as a dangerous place in urgent need of a wall.

“I want to be president because I feel that we can bring this country together. We can unify around our ambitions, our aspirations, the big things that we know we are capable of when all of us have the opportunity to contribute,” O’Rourke said.

“I just want to serve this country so badly to the highest of my ability, and I believe that is serving as president of the United States,” O’Rourke said as his wife, Amy, sat next to him in their 114-year-old home, where more than a century ago Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa met U.S. Army Gen. Hugh Scott to discuss stopping Mexico's civil war along the border.

O’Rourke said he believes the country is ready for a better, more nuanced view of the border than the picture painted by Trump, whose “Build The Wall” slogan helped propel him to the presidency.

O'Rourke points to his upbringing on the border as an asset in challenging Trump.

“A firsthand perspective and experience from the border is missing from the conversation,” said O'Rourke, who often sits at a table on his front porch that has views of Juárez, Mexico, to write, make phone calls and do other work.

Trump went after O'Rourke in comments from the White House on Thursday.

"He's got a lot of hand movement," Trump said. "I’ve never seen so much hand movement. I said, 'Is he crazy or is that just the way he acts?' "

Beto O'Rourke and his wife, Amy, focused on their family after his election loss.(Photo: Mark Lambie/El Paso Times)

He and Amy, who have been married nearly 14 years, said that in the months after the election, they focused on spending time together as a family – going to baseball practices and basketball games, preparing for science fairs, getting homework done, hiking in the Franklin Mountains and backpacking in the Gila Wilderness.

By the end of January, the couple said, they began to talk about what they would do next.

"Election night, or even before election night, when people were asking about 2020, it just seemed surreal, almost like you're just caught up in the moment," Amy Sanders O'Rourke said.

"After the election, our immediate need was to be together as a family and to really finish out the congressional term, which I know was incredibly important to Beto. But then to just like sleep, eat healthy and really give our family the attention that we had not had together for a long time," she said. "And so it was hard to even process, thinking about what the next steps could potentially be, I would say, well into January."

The couple said the decision for O'Rourke to run was jointly made, as they've made all decisions in their marriage.

"We really want to come to conclusions together. And if we can't both get there, then we just won't do it. Whether that's, you know, having Whataburger for dinner, or whatever it is," Beto O'Rourke said.

The couple purposely did not discuss the potential presidential run with their children, he said. Instead, they allowed their children, who heard talk of a potential run on the radio and read about it in the newspaper, to reach their own conclusions. Each one decided that their father should run.

"They're excited, and I wasn't all the way expecting that to be the case, given how hard the last campaign was for everybody," O'Rourke said.

Molly, 10, was the first to jump on board.

"I was driving her to school in early, mid-February, and she said, 'You know, if Dad's going to run for president, he better get started because he was already running for Senate at this point (in 2017),' " Amy O'Rourke said with a smile.

CLOSE

Former Rep. and Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke spoke Monday at a protest to President Donald Trump's El Paso rally.
Chris Kolenc, Special to the El Paso Times

National campaign will rely on individual donations

O’Rourke was a prolific fundraiser in his Senate race despite swearing off contributions from political action committees. He gained a national following after a video of him discussing his support of NFL players who kneel during the national anthem in protest went viral.

O'Rourke told the Times his promise stands to not accept money from PACs, corporations or special interest groups in his run for president.

O'Rourke didn't say he would not employ consultants and suggested he would use polls in certain cases.

“I am going to do everything it takes to win consistent with my values. I will never employ a pollster or take a poll to find what I believe or what I want to say," O'Rourke said. "I’ll never use a consultant to come up with the words I speak at a town hall or a rally, for better or for worse. And Amy can probably think of some times that it’s been for the worse.

“I say what I think and what I believe. I have the courage of my convictions, and I’m also hopefully smart enough to know there’s so much more for me to learn. And I can only learn by listening to the people of this country. They will be my consultants.”

O'Rourke said his presidential campaign will be headquartered in El Paso, and those who want to join his team will have to move to the border city.

He said he would no longer swear off hiring consultants, giving an example of a single mother in the Dallas area who was unable to join his Senate campaign because it would have required her to close her business.

"My preference is to find people who can move to El Paso and work on this campaign full time," he said, "but in order to get the breadth of experience and wisdom and diversity that we really need in a campaign that will look like everyone, I want to remain open to different employment situations. It doesn’t fit on a bumper sticker, but it will ensure that I get the greatest talent possible."

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Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10 p.m. on election night with his wife, Amy Sanders O'Rourke, and conceded the race to incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech at the packed Southwest University Park. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10 on election night alongside his wife, Amy Sanders O'Rourke, and conceded the race to incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed Southwest University Park. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10pm Tuesday along side his wife Amy Sanders O'Rouke and conceded the race to incumbent Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed-to-the-gills Southwest Univeristy Park. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

Texas Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke took the stage a little after 10 on election night alongside his wife, Amy Sanders O'Rourke, and conceded the race to incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. A sad but still energized crowd cheered on O'Rourke as he gave a passionate speech to the packed Southwest University Park. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, stopped at Mesiat Elementary School to greet volunteers and voters early Tuesday morning. O’Rourke who earlier had walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus, was all smiles as voters asked to tae pictures with him. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, stopped at Mesiat Elementary School to greet volunteers and voters early Tuesday morning. O’Rourke who earlier had walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus, was all smiles as voters asked to tae pictures with him. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, stopped at Mesiat Elementary School to greet volunteers and voters early Tuesday morning. O’Rourke who earlier had walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus, was all smiles as voters asked to tae pictures with him. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, stopped at Mesiat Elementary School to greet volunteers and voters early Tuesday morning. O’Rourke who earlier had walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus, was all smiles as voters asked to tae pictures with him. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, stopped at Mesiat Elementary School to greet volunteers and voters early Tuesday morning. O’Rourke who earlier had walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus, was all smiles as voters asked to tae pictures with him. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, stopped at Mesiat Elementary School to greet volunteers and voters early Tuesday morning. O’Rourke who earlier had walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus, was all smiles as voters asked to tae pictures with him. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, stopped at Mesiat Elementary School to greet volunteers and voters early Tuesday morning. O’Rourke who earlier had walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus, was all smiles as voters asked to tae pictures with him. RUBEN R. RAMIREZ/EL PASO TIMES

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who is running to unseat Sen. Ted Cruz, walked from his Sunset Heights home in El Paso to vote at the El Paso Community College Rio Grande Campus Tuesday. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

O'Rourke has already drawn an attack ad from the conservative Club for Growth in Iowa, where he is scheduled to go this weekend to begin his presidential campaign and help Iowa Democrat Eric Giddens, who is running in a special election for a state Senate seat.

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Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, stands with Oprah Winfrey after appearing on "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, appears with Oprah Winfrey for "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. The lineup also featured actors Bradley Cooper and Michael B. Jordan and philanthropist Melinda Gates, underscoring the sense of celebrity that surrounds O'Rourke. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, gestures during an interview with Oprah Winfrey for "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, laughs during an interview with Oprah Winfrey for "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, gestures during an interview with Oprah Winfrey live on a Times Square stage at "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. O'Rourke dazzled Democrats in 2018 by nearly defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the country's largest red state. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, laughs during a live interview with Oprah Winfrey on a Times Square stage at "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. O'Rourke dazzled Democrats last year by nearly defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the country's largest red state. O'Rourke says he'll announce whether he'll run for president "before the end of the month." Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, gestures during an interview with Oprah Winfrey live on a Times Square stage at "SuperSoul Conversations" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, waves to the audience as he is introduced prior to an interview with Oprah Winfrey live on a Times Square stage at "SuperSoul Conversations" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, gestures during a live interview with Oprah Winfrey on a Times Square stage at "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, laughs as Oprah Winfrey presses him to make the announcement that he is running for president during a live interview on a Times Square stage at "Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations from Times Square" on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, in New York. O'Rourke dazzled Democrats in 2018 by nearly defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in the country's largest red state. O'Rourke says he'll announce whether he'll run for president "before the end of the month." Kathy Willens/Associated Press

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"I'm going to continue to demonstrate that everyone in every state is important to the future of this country. And no one can be written off or taken for granted based on where they live or how they voted in the past, or whether they voted at all," he said.

Jennifer Mercieca, a professor at Texas A&M University who specializes in political discourse, said O’Rourke excels at connecting with voters at his events and delivering emotional appeals that win people over.

Mercieca said people are drawn to O’Rourke because he comes off as authentic and honest – the same reason many Trump supporters got behind the president during his campaign.

CLOSE

Former Democratic Congressman Beto O'Rourke, a potential Trump rival in 2020, held a rally in El Paso, Texas at the same time as President Trump to argue against building a border wall. (Feb. 12)
AP

“Part of the reason Trump was so appealing was that he was perceived as very authentic,” Mercieca said. “O’Rourke also has that authenticity, although it’s very different than what Trump shows us. One way of thinking about Trump is that he trades in irony. He’s always being ironic, always saying two things at once. Beto seems like he is always being earnest, and that kind of comparison would be interesting to see.”

Shannon Bow O’Brien, a government lecturer at the University of Texas-Austin, said that despite his charisma and ability to connect with people, O'Rourke still has a strike against him.

“It was close, it was extremely tight for Texas," she said. "But a loss is still a loss at the end of the day, and (the party) has got to back candidates that you’re going to see a success rate on."

A border resident, O’Rourke is ready to go head to head with Trump

O’Rourke has clashed with Trump over his plans to build a wall along the nation’s southern border with Mexico since before the 2016 election, when the Democrat served as El Paso’s congressional representative.

The friction between Trump and O’Rourke intensified in the weeks leading up to O’Rourke’s announcement, reaching new heights when Trump made El Paso the centerpiece of his argument for the effectiveness of a border wall.

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2/11/19 5:44:54 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:43:49 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:33 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:34 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Nick Oza
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:49 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:52:49 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:58:05 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, holds his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:58:05 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, holds his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 5:58:05 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, holds his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019. Photo by Nick Oza, Gannett
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 6:05:00 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 6:06:43 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

2/11/19 6:06:46 PM -- El Paso, TX, U.S.A -- A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally near El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11, 2019.
Nick Oza, for USA TODAY

A counter-rally led by former U.S. Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke, holding his son Henry, joined the March for Truth with hundreds of people along with Border Network for Human Rights, Women's March, to protest against President Trump campaign rally in El Paso, Texas. NICK OZA for USA TODAY

A lone Trump detractor stands on his bicycle amid a sea of Trump supporters on Monday. "Life is a risk, man," he said. "You've got to stand up for what you believe in. I don't want my kids growing up in a racist society. I don't want them to be ashamed to be Mexican." He wouldn't give his name. Blake Gumprecht/Las Cruces Sun-news

Rafael Hernandez, left, and Tony Murillo, both of El Paso, hold signs protesting President Donald Trump. Both say they were upset at Trump's remarks about El Paso in the State of the Union speech and want to send a different message Monday. Diana Albar Soular/Las Cruces Sun-News

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One as he leaves Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, for a trip to El Paso. Trump will hold his first campaign rally since November's midterm elections in El Paso as he faces a defining week for his push for a border wall, his presidency and his 2020 prospects. Manuel Balce Ceneta/Associated Press

President Donald Trump walks up the steps of Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. Trump is heading to El Paso to try to turn the debate over a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border back to his political advantage as his signature pledge to American voters threatens to become a model of unfulfilled promises. Susan Walsh/Associated Press

President Donald Trump arrives to board Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. Trump is heading to El Paso to try to turn the debate over a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border back to his political advantage as his signature pledge to American voters threatens to become a model of unfulfilled promises. Susan Walsh/Associated Press

Trump has been successful in turning the country's focus to the border, O'Rourke told the Times. "And now that the country's watching us, let's share with them who we are and what we represent, and what the future could look like when we make the most of every single person who wants to contribute."

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President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held a rally Feb. 11, 2019, at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the border wall. His visit came days after the president's State of the Union speech, which angered many El Pasoans and prompted a counterprotest near the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held a campaign rally Feb. 11, 2019, at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the border wall. His visit came days after the president's State of the Union speech, which angered many El Pasoans, prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Mark Lambie/El Paso Times file photo

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. Mark Lambie / El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held a rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the president's State of the Union speech, which angered many El Pasoans and prompted a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held a rally Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after his State of the Union speech, which angered many El Pasoans and prompted a protest near the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

President Donald Trump held rally Monday at the El Paso County Coliseum. Trump spoke at length about finishing the wall. His visit came days after the President's State of the Union speech which angered many El Pasoans prompting a protest outside the coliseum. Beto O'Rourke held a competing rally across the street from Trump's rally. David Davis/Special to the El Paso Times

"I'm not running against, I'm running for. Running for this country. And I've always been that way. Everything I do in my life," O'Rourke said. "There's no one in this (Democratic) race that I don't think would be a better president than Donald Trump."

CLOSE

President Trump and Beto O’ Rourke were both in El Paso, Texas on February 11, 2019. This is a side-by-side look at the two rallies in the city that’s at the center of the fight over a border wall.
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